Speckled Swan Gourd is a long-lasting, open-pollinated gourd variety that’s great for painting and holiday decorations. 3-5 fruits per plant. 125 days to maturity. The long neck of the fruit curves elegantly downward and gracefully enlarges at the end resembling a swan's head. The rounded base (or body) of the fruit usually measures around 8" (20 cm) in diameter and has a near flat bottom (conveniently!). Deep green in colour the fruits are speckled with creamy markings.

Harvested and left to dry these makelovely ornaments as they are, but painted up with an orange beak or similar they look just great.
Children love these, and the craft activities they can be used for.
Please note the fruits of these are not edible - so grow them for ornamental purposes only!

SOWING
Sow: March - April
Season: Annual
Height: 10 ft (3 m)
Bloom Season: VII - VIII
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.3
Temperature: 18 - 20 C (64-68 F)
Average Germ Time: 10 - 14 days
Depth: 1 inch
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 20 - 40 inches

Gourd plants are extremely vigorous and require a long, warm growing season, ranging from 95 to 120 days to maturity. You'll get comments on this one. Gourds are ready for harvest when the stems dry and turn brown. Harvest before a frost. This is a Cucurbita or soft-skinned gourd and can be dried in a two step process, taking 1 to six months depending on the size of the gourd. First you must clean and dry the outside surface, wiping with alcohol will ensure the surface dries completely. Place the clean gourd in a dark, well ventilated area for about a week, turning and checking daily. Discard any fruit showing any signs of decay or soft spots, do not allow other fruit to touch. After about a week, the outer skin of the gourd should be well dried. Internal drying is the second step and takes about a month. Providing warmth will hasten the curing process and discourage decay. Keep in a dark, well ventilated area and wipe away any mold that appears with bleach. As long as the gourd is hard, it should be fine. Check often and turn so that it will dry evenly. When the gourd is light in weight and you can hear seeds rattling inside when shaken it is ready for painting or crafting.

SHIPPING
Estimate delivery time is 5 to 8 weeks

PACKAGE
1 Lot Seeds (approx. 10 pcs)